We'll be up bright and early tomorrow to leave for the DSO in St. Johns, Michigan. We have two days of training, with open field time Friday night. Saturday and Sunday are trial days, with Riggs and Connor competing in beginner and intermediate. Connor might do advanced as well.

It's a training trial which creates a very unique environment for both the dog and the handler. No matter what happens, the trainers on the field make sure that your dog leaves a winner even if that means they stop the trial to re-arrange a senario or to have someone hold the leash or help get the dog past a "scarey" part of the senarios. Decoys work with whatever your dog needs, if the dog is new to bitework they might wear a sleeve or use a tug. You can physically out your dog if necessary or use toys or other aids. Of course, if you need that kind of help you lose points but that's how it goes.

If you are within reasonable driving distance from the event I highly recommend you make the trip. Even if you're not into bitework you'll learn a lot watching and following the commentary and the judging.

On August 18 2007, SisMorphine wrote:I talked to Michelle earlier and she and Demo are having a great time out in MI! They competed in beginner today and will be doing intermediate tomorrow. I can't WAIT to see pics and video.

So think good thoughts for them tomorrow!

Wohooo!That's great!
Any news since then???

Ellie----------------------------------------"Winners aren't born...they're made.And they're made just like anything else...through hard work.That's the price we'll have to pay to achive that goal."